USS Guardian Salvage Operation in Tubbataha Reef

Being the best helicopter company for all its' services offered in the Philippines, Airgurus Ltd. Co., has been recently chosen to be part with the salvage operation on the grounded US minesweeper, USS Guardian which ran aground at Tubbataha Reef last January 17, 2013.

Airgurus' helicopter on a special mission.

A protected Natural Marine Park in Sulu Sea, Philippines, Tubbataha Reef is home to over 1,000 species and many of them are considered endangered like the Hawksbill Sea Turtles. It is a popular haven for professional divers worldwide. It is because of Tubbataha's diverse ecosystem that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO declared Tubbataha Reef as a World Heritage Site in December 1993. 

Airgurus' Chief Executive Officer and Chief Pilot, Captain Harry Lero transporting personnel
for the salvage operation on USS Guardian at Tubbataha Reef. 

With the recent arrival of salvaging ships including the 112.8x30.4 m. Jascon-25 that the US Navy hired, Airgurus became part of the important salvage operation in the country. Smit Singapore PTE Ltd., the company that contracted us to assist in the transport and safety of the workers... in their goal to remove the USS Guardian from Tubbataha Reef. The Jascon 25 is said to cut the USS Guardian into pieces and these pieces will be transported out of the area.

The dismantling operation of the US Navy minesweeper USS Guardian is expected to start today February 19, 2013. 

At the helipad of Jascon 25, the transfer of personnel  for the salvage operation on USS Guardian
has been completed via Airgurus' helicopter.

Battered by heavy waves at Tubbataha Reef, below are the recent aerial images of the USS Guardian taken by Airgurus' own aerial photographers. 

Rough seas heavily batter the US minesweeper USS Guardian that is stuck on Tubbataha Reef. 

The USS Guardian that ran aground Tubbataha Reef, a World Heritage Site.

Current weather conditions 

For more photos, visit our website www.airgurus.com (gallery under "Special Missions"). For inquiries, email info@airgurus.com or contact our 24/7 hotlines: +639175966288 | +639209550897 | +639178385802 | +6327810787.

By Jodge Ledesma

Mktg. Director, Airgurus Ltd. Co.   

An Extremely Busy Love Season 2013

The "Love Peak Season" is now over for us at Airgurus Ltd. Co. Every year between February 10 - 18, we are always fully-booked  for our Romantic Tour Packages and for flying love birds to various destinations in the country.

Our favorite Romeo and Juliet... Ella and Aldo.

This year, we have flown a lot of couples on Valentine's Day for a Metro Manila short helicopter tour, to Boracay drop-offs for a few days stay, to day tours at secluded islands all over the country, to El Fraile Island for a private romantic picnic and to Tagaytay for either sightseeing or a romantic breakfast and lunch getaway at the world-renowned Filipino restaurant there called Antonio's Tagaytay. We have also flown to the latter, some famous celebrity couples too during breakfast, lunch and early dinner period. Being the top helicopter company in the Philippines, we withhold publishing names of our celebrity and non-showbiz (but VIP) clients... acting upon their requests and we, at Airgurus, respects their privacy.

Fueled by the mood of love... Aldo, a mere student back then is still our favorite and best Romeo at Airgurus.

Valentine's Season 2013 or "Love Season" as we call it is, always fun for us. We take pride and joy seeing Romeos and Juliets making the most effort with us to show their love to their significant others. One client of ours in 2012 even told us he had to make a personal loan for the day of love just to make his girlfriend happy by them traveling in style as they see the beauty of our country all the way from Manila to an expensive island getaway in the far South. We understand them because when it comes to real love and making their significant others happy, money is never a question. From budgeted to grand and crazy sprees, all love flights have been planned with us long before to make their memories with us last them a lifetime... and all are fueled by the mood of Valentine's Day.   

Airgurus' New Helicopter Achieves New Milestone

Airgurus Ltd. Co. achieves new milestone with the arrival of its' new helicopter... the Bell 206 BIII. This new baby painted in Airgurus' colors black, white, red and silver, has just successfully completed its' first 60-minute maiden flight in the Philippine skies.

Now available for private charters, helicopter tours and for air ambulance / medevac services, the new addition to Airgurus' helicopter fleet is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to ensure safety and consistently provide the best service to its' clients.

The Bell 206 BIII which is named as Hawkeye, is suited with Garmin G500H... an all-glass avionics system designed specifically for the VFR Part 27 helicopter market. Airgurus' Garmin G500H is the first in the Philippines. The Garmin's G500H dual-screen electronic flight display provides an affordable flight solution that meets the needs of the most demanding helicopter missions of Airgurus.

The G500H features dual LCD screens with the Bell 206 BIII's Primary Flight Display and the Multifunction Display which covers the three main areas of risk in helicopter operations... inadvertent flight into IMC, controlled flight into terrain and night operations. The G500H was designed to proactively address these issues to help reduce risks and challenges that come from a busier airspace. 

Captain Harry Lero, President/CEO of Airgurus said, this acquisition of Garmin G500H proves how serious Airgurus is about safety of their clients and their fleet. Another milestone indeed for the Philippines' best helicopter company.

AIRGURUS ACQUIRES NEW GROUND AMBULANCE

To support its' air ambulance services in the Philippines, Airgurus Ltd. Co. recently acquired a new ground ambulance. This is due to the upcoming addition of two (2) air ambulance helicopters to serve those in urgent medical transport within the Philippines. 

Sky Aid members will be privileged to make full use of these ground ambulances should the need for ground transfer arise. 

Equipped with advance life support systems, this dedicated ground ambulance of Airgurus will provide patients better medical care during transport from air ambulance to hospitals / apt medical facilities without a helipad or from hospitals to airports.

Airgurus Ltd. Co. is the best 24/7 air ambulance company in the Philippine archipelago. To inquire, please go to www.airgurus.com. Hotline numbers and 24/7 email inquiry buttons are there for fast service.

Health Tips From Our Medical Flight Crew: Take Care Of Your Heart

We have had numerous cases of patients with heart diseases all over the country flown from either homes or the hospital and brought to medical facilities of their choice in Manila. This is one of the reasons why we haven't updated our blog lately. We have been very busy saving lives.

The numbers are growing in the Philippines and is the leading cause of death. Last month alone, we have conducted 17 medical evacuation missions for heart-related cases thus; we at Airgurus Ltd. Co., can't help but be concerned and give some friendly advise to our followers here and on Facebook on how to take good care of your heart:

1. Stop smoking or use tobacco
In a country where we do not really have strict banning of cigarettes, smoking or using tobacco is found to be one of the most significant risk factors for developing heart disease. The chemicals in tobacco damages heart and blood vessels leading to narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Atherosclerosis can ultimately lead to a heart attack. When it comes to heart disease prevention, no amount of smoking is safe. Smokeless tobacco and low-tar and low-nicotine cigarettes also are risky, as is exposure to secondhand smoke. Social smokers are not even spared.

2. Exercising for 30 Minutes a Day
A regular, daily exercise can reduce your risk of fatal heart disease. Combining physical activity with other lifestyle measures is always of great help.  Physical activity helps you control your weight and can reduce your chances of developing other conditions that may put a strain on your heart, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. It also reduces stress, which may be a factor in heart disease. Swimming is one of the best and highly recommended on exercises.

3. Eating a hearty but healthy diet
Eating foods that are low in fat, cholesterol and salt is a good start. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products can help protect your heart. Beans, other low-fat sources of protein and certain types of fish also can also reduce risk of heart diseases. Limiting certain fats consumption also is important.
Heart-healthy eating isn't all about cutting back. Most people need to add more fruits and vegetables to their die with a goal of five to 10 servings a day. So eat a lot of fruits! Eating that many fruits and vegetables can not only help prevent heart disease, but also may help prevent cancer. On decreasing risks of heart attack, some fish like salmon and mackerel are good natural sources of Omega-3 fatty acid (a type of polyunsaturated fat).

Since it's still the love month, we encourage you to love... love yourself and please take care of your heart. Should you or your loved ones need us though in crucial times and would require an air ambulance helicopter for transporting you to the nearest and apt medical facility, contact our 24/7 hotlines +632 781 2707 | +632 781 0787 | +63 920 955 0897 | +63 908 888 6829 and +63 917 596 6288.

The Official Air Ambulance and Air Taxi of 2CELLOS in Philippines

Airgurus is the Official Air Ambulance and Air Taxi of 2CELLOS, a world-class performing duo of Croatian cellists, Stjepan Hauser and Luka Sulic. 2CELLOS is coming to perform in Manila this January 2012.

Image courtesy of GB Productions Asia

Bio:

The meteoric success of 2CELLOS started when former cello rivals Luka Sulic and Stjepan Hauser decided to join forces. In January 2011, they uploaded a unique duo cello version of “Smooth Criminal” by Michael Jackson onto YouTube. Within just a few weeks, their video became a huge viral sensation, receiving over 5 million views from across the world.

A month later, 2CELLOS signed a record deal with SONY MASTERWORKS. They were invited by Sir Elton John to join him on his worldwide tour playing with and opening for him. Their self-titled debut album was released worldwide in the summer of 2011 achieving top 200 Billboard status in the US, #1 iTUNES Germany, and #1 on the Japan imported albums (ahead of such distinguished artists as Beyonce, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Lady Gaga). They have appeared on national television shows including The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Lopez Tonight and Fox & Friends in the U.S., as well as Stefan Raab’s TV total in Germany. Most recently, they were invited by Apple to perform their own show at the Roundhouse in London as part of their prestigious iTUNES festival that was streamed globally.

Image courtesy of www.2cellos.com

Luka Sulic and Stjepan Hauser are accomplished musicians, both having played the cello since childhood. They recently completed their studies, Luka at the acclaimed Royal Academy of Music in London, and Stjepan at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.

Luka has performed all over the world at renowned venues including London’s Wigmore Hall, Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw, Vienna’s Musikverein and Konzerthaus. He has won a series of international prizes including first and special prize at the VII Lutoslawski International Cello Competition (Warsaw, 2009).

Image courtesy of www.2cellos.com

Stjepan has also performed around the world in most European countries, South Africa, New Zealand, Asia and the USA, with debuts in London’s Wigmore Hall, Royal Albert Hall, South Bank Centre and Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw. He was the last pupil of Mstislav Rostropovich. In his short career, Stjepan has already been awarded first prize in twenty-one national and international competitions, and he has performed twice for Prince Charles at Buckingham and St James‘s Palace.

Airgurus is proud to be officially part of this YouTube sensations' first show in Manila as their official air ambulance and air taxi. Final details of the live concert of  2CELLOS  will be announced by GB Productions Asia soon. For inquiries: 2cellosmanila@gbproductions.asia

Mocha Girls' Orgasmic Helicopter Ride Via Airgurus

The Mocha Girls were invited to perform on the first night of Ad Congress held in Camsur, Philippines, specifically at the Governor's Ball and had some flight dilemmas that the organizers thought the girls wouldn't be able to make it to the performance.

What happened was... three of the members of Mocha Girls were booked via a commercial airline while the others went through the other airline which left on time. When Mocha and the 2 other members arrived at the airport, they had problems with uncoordinated boarding and check-in and sooner, they found out that the airplane has already taken off. The girls were stuck in Manila as it was the last flight going to Camsur for that day.

It was 4pm and they were scheduled to perform at Governor's Ball by 10pm. They struggled to find means and ways to get to Camsur on time. They thought of traveling by land however, it would take them 8-10 hours to get there which means they wouldn't be able to make it to their scheduled performance.

Sad and desperate for Mocha Girls were known to be professional performers and they never missed shows, Mocha Unson talked to their manager to look for a helicopter. Their manager got to call Capt. Harry Lero, the President and CEO of Airgurus Ltd. Co. and their problem was solved. They were immediately flown to where Ad Congress was held.

The Mocha Girls got to Camsur way ahead of time. Through their blog, they narrated their "orgasmic" experience. Check out the video for their story about their helicopter ride via Airgurus at exactly 12:10.

Thank you, Mocha Girls for the love and support to Airgurus! Till your next flights with us!

Writer: J.L. of Airgurus Ltd. Co.

Charter Airgurus Helicopters: Helicopter Rent and Hire

Helicopter charter for rent or for hire in Manila and anywhere in the Philippines with Airgurus is always dealt in a speedy and proficient manner. To meet your exact requirements, we offer a wide range selection of the most cost-effective helicopters we own and operate.

Whatever the occasion is... whether it be a simple helicopter tour over Manila to amazing hot spots all over the country, a corporate day out , a business trip, sporting events needing aerial coverage, a cargo pick up and delivery, Airgurus will never be a disappointment. We always take pride of ourselves in catering each and every clients' needs so no matter how many passengers wishing for a flight, rest assured that all will be accommodated.

All our helicopters are maintained to the highest standard and we monitor every helicopter charter mission with priority with a concierge-style service. All our flights are monitored and tracked from take-off to landing by our own fleet's tracking, ensuring our customers of their safety and welfare.


When a helicopter does not suit your needs, we can provide you with the ideal jet or turbo prop aircraft to serve you.

No job is too small for us. No job is too big for us also. All our prices are competitive without compromising the prompt discreet service we offer to our clients as we take personal pride in what we do.


Visit our website www.airgurus.com for more information. You may request for a "Call Back" or click the "Fast Inquiry" to get details for your requirements. 

Airgurus Delivers Patients In the Phillippines Through Their Golden Hours

Whether it is of simple level of care or providing the highest critical care, Airgurus Ltd. Co. provides the best aero medical team consisting of nurses and doctors available 24/7 for our air ambulance services.

We respond immediately to distress calls for a medical evacuation. We know the importance of the golden hour... the window of time in which a critical care patient requires to reach the appropriate medical facility for recover, reversal and preservation of quality of life.

Along with this, comes our company's yearly update on the state-of-the-art medical monitoring systems to all our air ambulance aircraft which plays an important role in long distance medical evacuation of patients. This covers the basic, advanced and critical care needed by patients in the sky. 

We do not waste any time getting our patients into the hands of medical professionals. There is absolutely no reason for us to have them wait longer especially for trauma patients. We are fast and proficient and we highly value the golden hour which refers to a very critical and brief window of time... literally 60 minutes following and injury, a stroke / cardiac arrest where our 24/7 emergency dispatchers, air ambulance crews and receiving medical facility staff are communicating and coordinating with each other within a matter of minutes.

Saving lives in the Philippines and delivering patients throughout their golden hours 24/7 is what we do. For our emergency hotline, visit our website www.airgurus.com.

Airgurus on the New Miss World Philippines 2011

Airgurus Ltd. Co., the official air taxi of the recently concluded Miss World Philippines 2011 would like to congratulate the 21 years old Miss Gwendoline Ruais. 

Miss World Philippines 2011 Gwendoline Ruais

Miss Ruais will be representing the country in the upcoming Miss World 2011 pageant to be held on November 6 at the Earl's Court Exhibition Center in London, England.

Cory Quirino, Miss World Philippines National Director with Airgurus Ltd. Co.'s CEO and Chief Pilot, Capt. Harry Lero

Airgurus also congratulates the following winners:


First runner-up:  Helen Nicolette Henson
Second runner-up:  Martha Chloe McCully
Third runner-up:  Ma. Paula Bianca Paz
Fourth runner-up: Jaysel Arrozal
Miss Photogenic: Samantha Purvor
Miss Friendship: Rogelie Catacutan
Miss Talent: Rogelie Catacutan
Best in Swimsuit: Gwendolyn Ruais
Best in Evening Gown: Ma. Paula Bianca Paz
Miss Kapuso World: Martha Chloe McCulley
Miss SMDC: Martha Chloe McCulley
Miss Sheridan: Richelle Therese Borja
Miss Healthy Body: Gwendolyn Ruais
Miss Phil. Prudential: Jayanne Aldanese
Miss Metro Dental Smile: Helen Nicolette Henson
Miss Shimmian: Erina Ann Lightholder


Airgurus is proud to have been part of the Miss  World Philippines 2011. 

Phillipines Air Ambulance: Airgurus Case No. 831 Dengue

Dengue... a scary medical emergency accompanied by abrupt fever, nausea, red and white patchy rashes, headaches, bone pain that affects legs, joints and the lumbar region of the spine. 

But what if it becomes a Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever or Dengue Shock Syndrome? This carry the same symptoms but accompanied by bleeding or hemorrhagic manifestations ie., bleeding in stomach (vomit), gums, nose and decrease in blood platelet (Thrombocytopenia). These symptoms when not treated may lead to Dengue Shock Syndrome... which when not treated immediately, may lead to profound shock and eventually death.

Airgurus' Air Ambulance Chopper 1 just took off 6am the morning of August 23, 2011 to pick up a patient from Pangasinan and transport him directly to an apt medical facility in Manila. Profusely sweating, the balikbayan patient on vacation in the Philippines, had an on and off fever for 4 days and while on transit his temperature is 40 C. Although the patient has not been diagnosed with Dengue, his family wanted to make sure of his well-being and that he gets the immediate treatment.

Dengue is a potentially serious disease caused by a virus transmitted within humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. A serious public health threat in warm subtropical and tropical areas of the world such as Philippines, most people can recover from it but in some cases, dengue fever can lead to serious complications including hemorrhage and shock if not treated immediately at apt medical facilities.

Seek immediate medical care! If you or someone you know (located anywhere at remote places in the Philippines and/or far away from medical facilities in Manila) have been diagnosed with dengue fever and develop bleeding symptoms or change of consciousness, call our air ambulance hot lines +63 920 9550897, + 632 781 2707 and + 632 781 0787 for immediate medical evacuation!

We are operating our air ambulance services 24/7 to help save lives! 

Capt. Harry Lero: Air Ambulance Helicopter Pilot

Air Ambulance helicopter pilots like Capt. Harry Lero, chief pilot and President of Airgurus Ltd. Co., keep in mind that they must be at all times, quick and ready with his medevac crew.

Within 15 minutes of receiving an urgent medical evacuation call, Capt. Lero and his crew must be able to "wheel up". Even on ungodly hours, they have to be ready to respond very quickly and head for a mad dash to the hangar to prepare for a mission's flight plan, get suited up, ensure supplies and equipment, check the aircraft plus, everyone and everything else ready.

Being a medevac pilot, Capt. Lero can't be like most regular men. He can't afford to drink during any occasions, can't do late-night-outs, can't have weekends out of town, can't go on long vacations, can't go out of the country and most of all,  he can't afford to get sick. While most men and women would think he leads a boring life, it's not. He leads a most challenging life being a helicopter pilot and not just a plain helicopter pilot at that... he is a medevac helicopter pilot. Only a few people in the world can claim with certainty that they hold the balance of life and death in their hands.... not only claim it but save lives on a daily basis.  It takes more than helicopter pilots to perform the life-saving missions.  

As a medical evacuation helicopter pilot in the Philippines, Capt. Harry Lero, know how crucial it is to get a medically-ill patient to an apt medical facility as soon as possible. Not to mention, vehicular accident victims, battlefield casualties, people with critical cases. Aside from running an aircraft company, Capt. Lero's main job is to pick up patients and that he must be ready to pick up calls anytime and anywhere he would be in the Philippines. 

Each of the captain's medevac flight crew also includes his crew chief, a doctor and a nurse / paramedic. Most of the initial care has been performed by responding physicians and hospitals on pick-up location. The medical flight crew attends to the patient while on board the air ambulance. The crew chief on the other hand, ensures that the aircraft is always mechanically ready for missions and helps place patients. 

Capt. Lero carefully chooses his medevac flight team. All are highly-experienced in providing aero-medical care on the patient during transit. His crew chief is primarily concerned with making sure there are no objects near the aircraft when landing and taking off, checking around the helicopter for potential threats while flying and performing maintenance when the aircraft is on ground.  Combined with Capt. Lero's skills as a medevac helicopter pilot, the roles of his medevac flight team all work toward the same goal... to transport patients to the areas necessary for proper treatment while keeping the patient alive during the flight.

It has been long gone that patients will have to wait for the utmost care they need... that families will endure worrying for their loved one's condition in the country.  Nowadays, patients enjoy sophisticated medical care on Airgurus' air ambulance / medevac helicopters that function like flying hospitals. 

Capt. Harry Lero of Airgurus along with his medevac flight crew, leads a very challenging life....  takes their own lives to the skies to save lives in the Philippines.

Air Ambulance Helicopters in the Philippines

With the growing demand for medevac / air ambulance helicopters, Airgurus, the leader in professional medical evacuation services in the Philippines, has recently added an Agusta Westland 109A to the fleet. The helicopter boasts several new state-of-the-art features, including several global positioning units, terrain avoidance technology, tracking systems and so many more.

With our medical flight crew and paramedics on duty at all times, Airgurus' air ambulance of med-flight helicopters are on a stand-by to save lives 24/... delivering the very best in aero-medical care.

"It’s more of a flying intensive care unit than an ambulance, with room for one patient and two medical attendants. The new med-flight helicopter that took to the skies this July will help save lives across the region. We excited about the new aircraft, because its' increased space allows for better health care in the skies. We are here to provide Med-Flight services and Medevac is the primary mission and reason for us to be here.", said Capt. Harry Lero, Chief Pilot and President of Airgurus Ltd. Co.

Capt. Lero, known in the country as the best medical evacuation helicopter pilot in the country, knows how critical it is to get the medically-ill patients or accident victims to a medical facility as soon as possible. It also takes more than helicopter pilots to perform the life-saving missions. Along with his roster of medical evacuation helicopter pilots in the country, their job is to pick up patients anywhere in the Philippines... They have to be ready to take a call at anytime.

With the addition of the Agusta Westland 109A to their fleet would be beneficial to all our global citizens who travel in the country every day as well as the Filipino residents. This means a lot speed – it decreases the amount of time it takes to get wounded people to the hospital thus; saving lives in a daily basis.

Philippines Air Ambulance FAQ No. 2: Who Needs An Air Ambulance?

Who Needs An Air Ambulance?

• Patients needing extensive or urgent medical attention when time is critical
• Patients with critical illness or injury when patient cannot be transported by any commercial means
• Patients with an injury or illness or figured in an accident while traveling
• Patients with illness or injury requiring treatment by a specialist at apt medical facilities
• Non-emergency patients needing to be brought closer to home or home with medical escorts

For patients requiring urgent care, an air ambulance is the most appropriate choice. With our own team of highly-skilled doctors, registered nurses, respiratory therapists, pediatric specialists and critical care paramedics, Airgurus offers bedside to bedside services to those in need of medical air transport domestically and internationally.

Philippines Air Ambulance FAQ No. 1: What Is An Air Ambulance?

What is an Air Ambulance?

An air ambulance is an aircraft used for means of safely and comfortably transporting patients who are too ill to travel long or even short distances by ground. All air ambulance aircraft are of business class specifications equipped for extensive or urgent medical evacuations. At its best, an air ambulance transport is the fastest method of transporting critically-ill patients from one facility to another. 

Airgurus provides air ambulance services and is recognized as the leader in medical air transportation in the Philippines. Airgurus' Bell 206- L3 and Agusta Westland 109A features state-of-the-art medical equipment and are the only helicopters in the Philippines with litter kit (Double deck stretcher). Complete with a real time tracking system for all of our aircraft, we are one of the only two aircraft companies in the Philippines with this system to ensure flight safety, the well-being of the patient and real time coordination to the best medical facilities in the country.

Airgurus has two types of air ambulance aircraft for medical transport: helicopters and fixed-wing airplanes. The state-of-the-art medically-suited helicopters are used for short-haul, critical cases,  trauma-related emergency flights and are also used when there are no runways available for a fixed-wing aircraft to land. Our fixed-wing aircraft are customized with stretchers, advanced life support equipment, medications and specialized flight-trained medical staff ... most of the time, these are used for non-emergency medical evacuation.  

Our helicopters and all of our medically-suited aircraft are religiously managed and maintained by highly trained flight and maintenance crews as our air ambulance service offers 24 hours emergency and non-emergency medical transport services throughout the country and off-shore. In the cramped spaces of our helicopters especially, we carry supplies and medications similar to those found in an intensive care unit i.e., intravenous pumps, a ventilator, cardiac monitoring systems and defibrillator, resuscitation equipment, suction, intubation equipment, balloon pump, IV, ACLS drug complement and any other specialty equipment necessary for each individual patient's needs. With our litter kit, there's even enough room for two patients if necessary, on stretchers.

Airgurus offers multiple domestic aircraft options designed to meet individual requirements and budget considerations. We also offer international air ambulance transports to bring patients home or closer to home with medical escorts. 

For more details, visit the website www.airgurus.com